2025 Lexus NX vs 2026 Acura RDX

$40,965 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Lexus excites with serene efficiency, kicking off the 2025 Lexus NX at a highly approachable $40,965, delivering a commendable 28 combined MPG. This FWD entry provides a smooth, economical pathway into premium crossover ownership. Acura, however, ignites the spirit of the drive with the 2026 Acura RDX, boasting a substantial 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque—a potent 69 hp advantage over the Lexus. While the RDX demands $4,135 more ($45,100 MSRP) and sips premium fuel for its AWD performance, resulting in 23 combined MPG, it offers superior hauling ability with 29.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the NX's 22.7 cu ft. The RDX’s 10-speed automatic transmission promises sharper engagement to complement its significantly higher output.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus NX

Its superior 28 combined MPG and lower initial cost of $40,965 make the Lexus NX the more financially sensible daily runner.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura RDX

The Acura RDX offers significantly more utility with 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Lexus NX's 22.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura RDX

With 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque delivered through an AWD system, the RDX promises a far more spirited performance experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus NX

The NX achieves excellent efficiency with a 28 MPG rating while costing $4,135 less upfront.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Maximum fuel economy, hitting 33 highway MPG, is a top priority for your lifestyle.
Keeping the initial purchase price near the $40,965 mark is crucial for your budget.
You prefer the predictable composure of a front-wheel-drive platform for routine driving.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You require the robust traction and dynamic stability offered by an all-wheel-drive system.
Extracting 272 horsepower for spirited merging and passing is essential to your driving joy.
You frequently haul gear, appreciating the RDX's generous 29.5 cubic feet of cargo volume.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus NX	Acura RDX
Length	183.5"	187.4"
Width	73.4"	74.8"
Height	66.1"	65.7"
Wheelbase	105.9"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6600 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	377.0/478.5 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	9
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 in.	55.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/55R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2026 Acura RDX.

How much more power does the 2026 Acura RDX actually deliver over the 2025 Lexus NX?

The Acura RDX possesses a considerable 69-horsepower advantage, producing 272 hp compared to the Lexus NX's 203 hp.

Is the lower fuel economy of the RDX worth the performance gains?

The RDX yields 23 combined MPG while the NX reaches 28 combined MPG, meaning drivers must weigh the 5 MPG difference against the RDX's superior output and AWD system.

What is the exact cost separation between these two premium crossovers?

The 2026 Acura RDX has an MSRP of $45,100, making it exactly $4,135 more expensive than the entry-level 2025 Lexus NX at $40,965.

Does the RDX require special fuel given its higher power figures?

Yes, the 2026 Acura RDX specifically recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its peak performance figures, whereas the Lexus NX runs happily on regular unleaded.